Foundation Repair Photo Album: Floor Support and Radon Mitigation in North Andover, MA

In North Andover, MA, a homeowner faced the challenge of temporary supports under their floor, as seen in the initial photos. Recognizing the need for lasting stability, they contacted us at Erickson Foundation Solutions. We addressed this issue with our SmartJack® System, engineered to lift floors and stabilize crawl spaces, as depicted in the subsequent images. Additionally, our team installed a radon mitigation system, significantly reducing radon levels from 12 pCi/L to below 4 pCi/L, enhancing the home's safety and stability.

Temporary Support Post

The existing temporary support post was serving as an unintended long-term load-bearing element. Because the floor framing system was not properly stabilized or structurally reinforced, the unsupported loads contributed to deflection and sagging of the floors above.

SmartJack Excavation

Existing concrete and underlying soils were removed in designated installation areas to allow for the placement of 12-inch engineered bases. These bases provide the necessary bearing capacity and stability for the SmartJack support system.

SmartJack Base

Following site preparation, the SmartJack bases were positioned on a bed of compacted crushed stone to ensure a firm foundation and optimal load transfer. The SmartJack posts were subsequently installed and secured to the bases, creating a reliable support system for the floor structure above.

SmartJack Secured to Main Beam

The SmartJack columns were individually adjusted to the appropriate height, aligned to maintain proper load-bearing contact, and mechanically secured to the main girder, creating a stable support system designed to reduce floor deflection and restore structural integrity.

SmartJack Completed Installation

Once properly adjusted and secured, the SmartJack assemblies were encapsulated with concrete, permanently integrating them into the foundation floor and enhancing the overall stability of the support system.

SmartJack Benchmarking

Upon completion, the SmartJack system was benchmarked and documented to establish baseline elevation data. This allows for precise monitoring during future maintenance visits, enabling technicians to identify and address any signs of settlement, deflection, or structural movement.

Radon Extraction Point

As part of the radon mitigation process, a sub-slab extraction point was created beneath the foundation floor to intercept radon-laden soil gases. PVC vent piping was then installed from the extraction point to the exterior of the structure, providing a dedicated pathway for the safe removal of radon from beneath the home.

Radon Fan

The radon mitigation fan was installed along the exterior PVC vent stack to create a continuous negative pressure field beneath the foundation slab. The fan actively draws radon-laden soil gases from beneath the home and directs them into the venting system. Additional PVC piping was then extended from the fan and terminated above the roofline, ensuring the safe discharge of radon gas away from windows, doors, and other potential points of re-entry into the home.

Foundation Floor Crack Sealing

Foundation and slab cracks were sealed using NexusPro®, a high-performance joint and crack sealant, to minimize potential radon entry pathways. By sealing these penetrations, the mitigation system is better able to maintain sub-slab depressurization while reducing the infiltration of radon-bearing soil gases into the home.